International Criminal Court Summer School at NUI Galway

Monday, 10 June 2013

The Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway is now accepting delegates for its 2013 summer school on the International Criminal Court to be held 17-21 June in Galway.

The summer school on the International Criminal Court (ICC) offered by the Centre is widely acknowledged to be the premier programme of its kind, attracting participants from around the world. During the five days of intensive lectures, delivered by leading specialist in the field, students are provided with a detailed working knowledge of the establishment of the Court, its applicable law, its structures and its operations. Lectures also speak to related issues in international criminal law, including universal jurisdiction, immunities and the role of the victims.

Professor Ray Murphy of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway said: “The ICC is arguably the most important international institution to have been established since the creation of the United Nations. Its aim is combating impunity for atrocities, and it is at the forefront of a broader movement for achieving accountability and justice around the world.”

“When the ICC was established in 2002, there was real optimism about holding those most responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes to account. Over ten years later, the Court is being criticised for having a racist agenda and a flawed investigation process and prosecutorial strategy. To date, the Court has convicted only one defendant, a former Congolese warlord, Thomas Lubanga. The appointment of a new prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, places the Court at a critical crossroads in terms of investigations and prosecutions for the future”, continued Professor Murphy.

During the summer school on the International Criminal Court, expert presentations will be delivered by Professor William Schabas, Honorary Chairman of NUI Galway’s Irish Centre for Human Rights and Middlesex University; Professor Siobhan Mullally, UCC; Dr Noelle Higgins and Professor Ray Murphy, Irish Centre for Human Rights, NUI Galway; John McManus, Counsel/Avocat, Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Section, Department of Justice, Canada; Dr Fabrizio Guariglia, Head of Appeals Division of the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court; Dr Mohamed M. El Zeidy, Legal Officer for Pre-Trial Chamber II, The International Criminal Court; Dr Rod Rastan, Legal Adviser in the Office of the Prosecutor, The International Criminal Court; Professor Don Ferencz, School of Law, Middlesex University; Dr Mohamed Elewa Badar, University of Middlesex; Professor Megan Fairlie, Florida International University; and Dr Mohamed Elewa Badar, School of Law, Brunel University.